Charles Watson-Wentworth

Charles Watson-Wentworth (13 May 1730-1 July 1782), also known as Lord Rockingham, was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 13 July 1765 to 30 July 1766, succeeding George Grenville and preceding William Pitt the Elder, and again from 27 March to 1 July 1782, succeeding Frederick North and preceding William Petty.

Biography
Charles Watson-Wentworth was born in Wentworth, Yorkshire, England on 13 May 1730, and he inherited his father's estates on his 21st birthday in 1751, owning land in Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, and Ireland; he therefore also became a member of the House of Lords as a member of the Whigs. In 1753, he founded the Rockingham Club, which grew to have 133 members by June 1754. In 1760, he became a knight of the Order of Garter due to his skills at administration, but he resigned as Lord of the Bedchamber in 1762 due to his opposition to John Stuart's premiership. Stuart was later dismissed, as was his successor George Grenville, and King George III decided to appoint Watson-Wentworth as the new Prime Minister on 13 July 1765. His ministry saw him repeal the Stamp Act, but he also declared that Britain had the right to legislate for the American colonies in all cases. Internal dissent in the cabinet led to his resignation in 1766, with William Pitt the Elder taking over. From 1766 to 1782, he was in opposition to the Tory Party government of Frederick North, and he supported constitutional rights for the people of the Thirteen Colonies. In 1782, he was appointed Prime Minister for a second time, and he pushed for British recognition of American independence. He also passed poverty relief laws that provided outdoor relief and established workhouses. His second premiership was cut short by his death from the flu at the age of 52.